I’m a Travel Expert: These 5 Vacations Are Cheapest After the Holidays
Written by
Laura Bogart
Edited by
Kristen Mae
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The holiday hubbub is finally over. Now that you’re back to work, you’re already daydreaming about your next vacation. Your budget, however, is grounded in reality. After all that seasonal spending, you need to pinch your pennies. Fortunately, you might not have to compromise your wanderlust — some vacations are actually cheaper after the holidays.
Curious about vacation options that may be more affordable once the tinsel has come down, GOBankingRates talked to the experts. Whether you’re keen to collect new stamps in your passport or stay stateside, you’ve got some great choices for dream vacations at realistic prices.
1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco may seem like a surprising suggestion, since it’s often mentioned among the most expensive cities in the U.S. But travelers who want to take in the art, culture, beaches and generally gorgeous weather can find ways to avoid sticker shock by visiting during the winter.
According to Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, major cities like San Francisco become more affordable for visitors after the glitz of the holidays — and the price spikes associated with holiday tourism — have passed.
“Once the holidays end, that tourism declines. Of course, these are popular places to visit year-round, but the post-holiday season, in the early months of the year, is usually when tourism is at its lowest,” he said. “So that’s often when it’s cheapest to visit.”
His claim is backed by findings from ALL Accor, the loyalty program for the Accor hotel chain. In an explainer about visiting San Francisco, it notes: “If you’re on a budget, the best time to go to San Francisco for lower prices is January to March. Hotels and flights are often discounted due to fewer tourists.”
2. Portugal
Evelyn Duran, sales manager at Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders, encourages travelers to target destinations that see drops in demand come January — including Portugal. You’ll enjoy mild winter weather, fewer fellow tourists in cities like Lisbon and Porto, and noticeably lower prices.
“Hotel rates fall 40% to 50% — perfect for a budget-conscious luxury escape,” Duran said. “After January, flights from the East Coast drop as well, and visitors can indulge in local cuisine and sights without swarms of tourists.”
3. Central and Eastern Europe
Duran acknowledges that this recommendation covers a lot of terrain, but says the variety of experiences and adventures is precisely the appeal. She notes that the region offers great value in January and encourages travelers to reserve flights and hotels early in the month to get the lowest prices possible.
“All-inclusive packages and flexible travel dates can also lower price tags,” she said.
To narrow down which countries to visit, travelers can explore sites like TourRadar, which curates itineraries by interest and budget. TourRadar users found Bulgaria and Romania particularly affordable.
4. Morocco
If Morocco is on your bucket list, consider planning your trip during the winter. Not only will you benefit from milder weather, Duran says, but the post-holiday drop in tourism often leads to reduced prices for flights and lodging. She’s particularly excited about the thriving culture and lower hotel rates in cities like Marrakech and Fez.
Another perk of traveling to Morocco during the “shoulder season“? Local vendors may be more open to haggling, meaning you could walk away with one-of-a-kind souvenirs at a lower cost.
5. Greece
Anyone prone to the winter blues is likely to love Duran’s next recommendation: Greece. She says the country shines in winter, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and prices that can be dramatically lower than peak season.
“Athens is displayed to perfection by mellow weather — at half or even a third of summer prices,” she said.
Lonely Planet concurs. In a guide to visiting Greece on a budget, writer Kate Armstrong notes that during the winter months, tourists may see accommodation rates and site entrance fees cut in half.
“While many islands ‘shut down’ for winter, much of mainland Greece, and the larger islands of Crete, Rhodes and Kos, operate year-round thanks to their active permanent populations,” she wrote. “You’ll not be plagued by crowds, and you can enjoy a much more relaxed local lifestyle, albeit in cooler climes. Car hire costs are lower then, too.”
The Bottom Line
While summer is often considered peak travel season, savvy, budget-conscious travelers know that some destinations are most affordable just after the holidays. With fewer tourists and lower demand, winter travel can unlock meaningful savings and unforgettable experiences.
Need a little extra breathing room in your budget? MoneyLion, a sister company of GOBankingRates, is giving away $2,000 a day through Jan. 24, 2026. Sign up here and see if a cash boost is in your future.
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